63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
69
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Spokane wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Spokane wins 1–3 overall (69/100)
💰 Spokane is more affordable
💼 Chicago has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Spokane — The Verdict
Spokane scores 69/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Spokane edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Spokane are 6% lower — a difference of $17,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Spokane saves you $254/month — that's $3,048 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $8,357 more per year (13% higher median income).
🌬️
Spokane has cleaner air with an AQI 47 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$286,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,060
Median Income
$71,673
$63,316
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 6% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.7%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
13 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Spokane wins on air quality with an AQI 47 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
17
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 7 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Spokane: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Spokane is more affordable overall. Home prices are $17,600 lower in Spokane. Monthly rent is $1,060 in Spokane vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Spokane have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Spokane better for finding a job?
Chicago currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.7% in Spokane. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $63,316 in Spokane.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Spokane?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 17 in Spokane. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Spokane.
Should I move from Chicago to Spokane?
Based on our data, Spokane scores 69.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Spokane is more affordable, while Chicago has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.